I've been looking all over, but can't seem to find this information spelled out anywhere.

I'm interested in a light weight mid length AR, and have the option to a two piece aluminum float tube for only a few dollars more.

What I haven't been able to find is the weight difference between standard hand guards with the delta ring and other hardware vs. a two piece aluminum free float tube.

I realize carbon tubes are the lightest, followed by one piece aluminum and very drilled out tubes. But I can't tell if a pretty normal 2 piece is lighter, heavier or the same as a regular hand guards with delta ring.

If you have carbine or 20" numbers, that's fine, too.

I understand the other benefits or downsides to the different systems - heat, interchangeability, accuracy, accessories, etc. I'm just curious what the different options do to the total rifle weight. Thanks.

I'm just curious what the different options do to the total rifle weight. Thanks.

In most cases they make it heavier. The single thing you can do to make it lighter is change to a thin profile barrel. The lighter the hand guard the more expensive it will be. But most of the weight is in the barrel. The more accessories you add the more weight.

This is a carbon-fiber upper and lower with a thin profile barrel and started out at 5.6 lbs for the whole rifle. As you can see I have added some weight to it with the quad rail and accessories, but it is still very manageable.

I dont have any uninstalled at the moment that I could weigh. I have built all I have and am waiting on more parts. The weights are very close so long as you use the same length float tube as the hand guard you are replacing.

Based on the numbers in that link...
My DPMS vented rifle length FF tube is 5 ounces heavier.
And the Todd Jarret extended rifle FF tube is 2.5 times as heavy (13 ounces heavier).

One thing to keep in mind, though:
Some companies have been known to only list the weight of the FF tube itself, and don't include the weight of the barrel nut. In some cases, that can make a huge difference. Your typical aluminum FF tube barrel nut weighs about 1.5-1.8 oz; but the typical steel FF tube barrel nut weighs 5-7 oz.
When you're worried about weight, that hidden 1/3 lb is significant.

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